Consumers Energy hopes a planned $6 billion investment in Michigan will boost the state's economy -- and persuade lawmakers to repeal a state law that limits its customer base.

The investment comes in the form of a new $2.5 billion coal-fired plant, a plan to purchased a gas-fired plant, environmental improvements at its existing coal plants and a massive energy-efficient program.

"If Michigan is going to ready for the rest of the 21st century, it's going to have to have an adequate amount of power," CMS spokesman Jeff Holyfield said.

Following projections that show Michigan with an energy shortage in 2015, the Jackson-based utility this fall announced it will build an 800-megawatt advanced supercritical pulverized clean coal plant near Bay City.